Joy and cancer are not words that often go hand in hand. However, the American Cancer Society at USC is hosting an event that brings the two together.
The annual Relay for Life will be held at the Village Great Lawn on April 19. This year’s theme is “No Space for Cancer.”
Relay for Life is a community walk held by schools across the United States aiming to raise money and awareness for cancer research and patient quality of life. Participants create teams and take turns walking around the Village Great Lawn to show support for people with cancer.
Casey Troy, a senior majoring in communications and a recent cancer survivor, has been involved in Relay for Life for years.
“It’s just time for people to get together, to walk around, raise money, raise awareness and try to have some hope when it comes to a really awful situation,” Troy said.
The event will include guest speakers, singers, games and more, all centered around an otherworldly theme: space.
When talking about the event, Troy emphasized the importance of community.
“There’s a feeling of just love and hope in the air. And I think that just comes from the community, the people being there, the bags being lit up,” Troy said.
Nearing the end of the event, ACS holds the Luminaria Ceremony, where participants write the name of those they are walking for on a paper bag and then place candles inside the bags, taking a moment to celebrate their loved ones.
Relay for Life also aims to create a space to celebrate, cheer on those going through treatment and commemorate those who have passed.
“The situation itself can be kind of isolating,” Troy said. “Having people around you, not feeling alone gets you through those tough moments.”
To enter, participants must pay $25, which goes towards the club’s goal this year of $10,000. All of the money raised will go towards patient well-being and cancer research.
Those interested in participating in this year’s Relay for Life can sign up through the link on their website.